Anne Health response: NHS Sussex Investigation into WellBN GP Practice

We are sickened and dismayed by the investigation into WellBN GP Practice by NHS Sussex. This action goes entirely against the principles of the NHS constitution, which promises care based on clinical need, not political pressure.

What is happening to WellBN represents bullying and intimidation of healthcare providers who are doing their jobs—providing legal, evidence-based care to young people in desperate need. It shows how low the NHS has sunk when clinicians are threatened with practice closure for following their professional duty of care.

The facts are clear:

• WellBN has been providing gender-affirming care for over five years with the full knowledge of NHS Sussex
• Young people who began treatment before March 2024 are legally entitled to continue their prescriptions
• Government guidance explicitly stated that existing patients should not have treatment suddenly stopped
• Yet NHS Sussex is now forcing detransition on children who have been stable on treatment for years

The human cost is devastating. We have families with us who were with WellBN, and some who still are. It is almost unbelievable to witness what is being done, and the complete lack of compassion for these young people and their families. Children who were thriving are now facing forced puberty in the wrong gender. Parents are watching their children deteriorate before their eyes.

This is not healthcare. This is cruelty dressed up as “safeguarding.”

We are determined to keep fighting on behalf of these families for their right to access timely, affirmative, lifesaving care as they need it. Trans young people deserve better than to be used as political pawns whilst their mental health reaches crisis point.

We stand with WellBN and every family being failed by this process.